Chance to help wildlife centres

Bosses at Wingham Wildlife Park, between Canterbury and Sandwich, say they face weekly bills of more than £52,000 and admit they are going to face a “difficult time”. They are appealing for financial support and also for unwanted food such as nuts and vegetables to be donated in order to keep the animals well nourished.

A statement read: “These are going to be desperate times for our park, but we also want to make sure when we come back out of this, that no-one misses out.

“If you have got too much food at home, have an excess which you have grown, own a business where supplies are going out of date, we have uses for many of those goods.”

In a bid to keep those at home entertained, the park is planning to live stream online from the animal enclosures. To help, visit the park’s website and following the instructions.

Bosses at another sanctuary say their fundraising has been crippled and they face uncertain times.

Staff and volunteers at Happy Endings Rescue in Painters Forstal, near Faversham, worry they may not be able to keep animals fed.

The outbreak means volunteers are unable to fundraise as they would usually, for example at Faversham markets. Chris Johns, one of the charity’s founders, says its online presence is now its only lifeline.

In response, the charity has put out a plea for help via its website and is even auctioning toilet roll on Facebook. You can donate to the charity joining its auction group. Search Happy Endings Rescue on Facebook to find out more.